Clinch Knot

Use to tie fly to end of tippet. Sometimes tied as an “improved” clinch knot by passing the tag end back through the loop created at the end of step number 3. Our experience has shown that the improved clinch knot can be stronger only when it is tied perfectly. A well-tied regular clinch knot is stronger than a poorly tied improved clinch knot.

Step 1:

Insert 6″ to 8″ of tippet through eye of hook.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 1

Step 2:

Hold fly in left hand and with right hand wind the end of the leader around standing part of leader five times, keeping a small loop immediately adjacent to hook eye open. This loop is easy to keep open if you pinch it between thumb and forefinger of left hand.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 2

Step 3:

Bring tag end of leader back through loop next to the hook eye and grasp with thumb and forefinger of left hand.

Clinch Knot Tying - Step 3

Step 4:

Lubricate and tighten by pulling the standing part of leader and the fly in opposite directions. Do not pull on the tag end of the leader – merely hold it alongside the fly. Trim tag end close to knot.